Riley Blake Strawberry Shortcake - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Strawberry Shortcake Quilt

Project Overview

The Strawberry Shortcake quilt is a beginner-friendly quilting project designed by Emily Hayes that produces a finished quilt measuring 71 inches by 79 inches. This downloadable PDF pattern is ideal for quilters new to the craft who want to create a substantial throw-sized blanket using pre-cut fabric bundles and straightforward piecing techniques.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a large quilt suitable for use as a blanket or throw. The finished dimensions of 71" x 79" make it an excellent size for draping over furniture or using as a bed topper. The quilt features individual blocks that measure 8 inches by 8 inches when completed, which are then arranged and sewn together to form the full quilt top.

Quilting Techniques Used

The Strawberry Shortcake pattern employs fundamental quilting techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction method relies on strip piecing and rectangle cutting, which are core skills in quilting. Sewers work with right sides of fabric together throughout the project, following standard quilting conventions. The pattern requires basic knowledge of quilting terminology and technique, making it accessible to those new to the craft while still producing professional-looking results.

Stitches and Construction Methods

• Straight seams sewn with ¼ inch seam allowance, which is the standard measurement in quilting
• Rectangle piecing using pre-cut fabric strips
• Square piecing for specific block elements
• Assembly of individual 8" x 8" blocks into the larger quilt layout

Fabric and Materials

The pattern utilizes the Shabby Strawberry 10-inch Stacker fabric collection (item 10-6040-20) from Riley Blake, which provides pre-cut fabric squares that streamline the cutting process. Additional yardage requirements include 1¾ yards of cream main fabric (C6040 Cr). The pattern also incorporates Blue Houndstooth and Cream Houndstooth fabrics as design elements. Specific cutting requirements include multiple strips cut at widths of 4½ inches and 8½ inches from the width of fabric (WOF), which are then subdivided into rectangles measuring 2½" x 4½" and 2½" x 8½", as well as squares measuring 8½" x 8½".

Fabric Cutting Summary

• Blue Houndstooth: 2 strips 4½" x WOF (cut into 28 rectangles 2½" x 4½") and 2 strips 8½" x WOF (cut into 28 rectangles 2½" x 8½")
• Cream Houndstooth: 4 strips 4½" x WOF (cut into 50 rectangles 2½" x 4½") and 4 strips 8½" x WOF (cut into 50 rectangles 2½" x 8½"), plus 1 strip 8½" x WOF (cut into 3 squares 8½" x 8½")

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as beginner level, making it an excellent choice for quilters who are just starting their quilting journey. The straightforward cutting and piecing instructions, combined with the use of pre-cut fabric stackers, eliminate much of the complexity typically associated with quilt making.

Pattern Format and Availability

The Strawberry Shortcake pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, allowing crafters to access the instructions immediately and begin their project. Quilters should check the Penny Rose Fabrics website for any pattern revisions before starting, as updates may be posted to ensure accuracy. The pattern includes virtual quilt and block diagrams, though the final appearance may vary depending on the specific fabric used.